Law that applies to information stored on computers and in organised paper filing systems
Covers personal data - any data which can be used to identify a living person
Rights of data subjects under the Data Protection Act 1998
Right to request a copy of the data held about them
Right to correct the data held about them
Right to prevent marketing using contact details provided by the data subject
As of 2018, The Data Protection Act has been replaced by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018
The Computer Misuse Act 1990
Concerns the malicious use of computers
Outlines three primary offences: Unauthorised access to computer materials, Unauthorised access with intent to commit further offences, Unauthorised modification of computer material
The consequences of the second and third offences under the Computer Misuse Act are generally worse than the first, with each offence being punishable with imprisonment
The Copyright, Design and Patents Act 1988
Protects people's property online, covering everything from logos to music recordings
If a work is original, copyright automatically applies and doesn't expire until 25-70 years after the death of the creator, depending on the type of work
Extended in 1992 to include computer programs as a type of literary work, meaning that copyright automatically applies to code
If an individual believes that their work has been copied, it is their responsibility to take action under the Copyright, Design and Patents Act
The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000
Covers investigation, surveillance and interception of communication by public bodies
Enforces internet service providers and mobile phone companies to give up information upon request from an authorised authority and to ensure that their networks have sufficient hardware installed to facilitate surveillance
The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act is particularly controversial as its powers extend to small agencies like local councils, and some people feel that it is an invasion of privacy or is often improperly used